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THE RIVERSIDE LIGHT
HAPPENINGS & NEWS
OF THE  
RIVERSIDE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

January 2012

Epiphany

                                           

    
 

From the Interim Minister's Desk
   Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,... that all of you be in agreement... united in the same mind and the same purpose...   - I Corinthians 1:10

It's time. We're ready for the journey that a church undertakes during its interim period, beginning with "Coming to Terms with History."  I have alerted our Historians and invited the Rev. Raymond Bradley, Riverside's Pastor Emeritus, to work with us. It's time to discover Riverside's story as a congregation, to take a look at yourself, where you have been since your founding, so you can discern where God is calling you in the future. This is the gift of the interim time for a church, time to reflect on where you have been and where you want to go. And what you will discover will help the Search Committee to write your profile.

You have been through a lot: You have strong feelings about previous pastors, both positive and negative. People have come and gone from your pews. Beloved members have died. The world around you has changed. Now you are in the "in between time" - the space between your previous settled pastor and the one to come. This is the time to figure out who you are so you can better discern the right pastor for the time to come. Now is the time to learn from your past, to face the good and the not so good, to weigh your strengths and weaknesses, to prepare for the future.

Yes, every congregation has a story to tell, beginnings to remember, achievements to celebrate, struggles to face, contributions to the larger community to acknowledge. God is leading you across the river of transition to the Promised Land, preparing you for a partnership with a new leader. Know this, and be thankful for God's presence in the midst of the Journey.

                                                          - Reverend Betsy



Singing the Lord's Song in a Strange Land: A Memorial Service in Celebration for the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

On Sunday January 15, 2012, we will have a special service of readings and spirituals, Celebrating the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Don't miss it!

 

 

I was very touched that Riverside Church took up a collection and presented it to me on Christmas Eve. It was my favorite gift! - Reverend Betsy                   

 

 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

The Board of Deacons is happy to announce the newest members of our Church Family and extends congratulations to Ray Anderson, Reid Caulder, Lisa Lunt, Muriel Mustafa, and Deborah Rochford.
We are pleased that you have joined us in covenant and look forward to working with you as we continue our many missions!

    ANNUAL FISCAL MEETING
The date of Sunday January 29, 2012
, has been set for us to gather for our Annual Fiscal Meeting.  We will receive the Treasure's Report for 2011 and adopt a budget for 2012. All members are encouraged to attend so that we may conduct the financial business of the Church. See you then!

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

                                                             No report 

FELLOWSHIP TIME

Join Us.  
Our weekly fellowship time is a great way to touch base with familiar faces and to greet and welcome our visitors. All are invited to join us each Sunday following worship.
Serving as our hosts for the next few months will be:

January - Music Committee
February - Volunteers
March - Volunteers

If during the months of February and March you would like to volunteer your time by helping to serve during fellowship, we would be most grateful!


  **A donation of a light snack would be most appreciated. Thank you.



BOARD OF DEACONS

No Report. 


 

HELLO
Please be sure to make our visitors feel welcome by extending a hand of welcome. Also, it would be helpful if you remember to wear your nametag each Sunday. If for some reason you do not have one, let a deacon know or leave a note on the secretary’s desk and  a new one will be waiting for you on the following Sunday. 


YOUR NAME PLEASE
Please remember to wear your name tag each Sunday. In addition to it being helpful to those who may not know you, it is an important sign of friendliness.

WANTED!
Newsletter articles from all church boards, committees and groups. If you’re not a writer, then just give us the facts and we’ll prepare the article for you. Information must be submitted to the office by the 15th of each month.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Looking to volunteer some time to your church? If you answered yes to this question, the Nominating Committee is looking for church members who would like to serve on a Church Board or Committee. If you have an interest, please talk to one of the committee members:
Sue Olson


 RCC CHOIR
Like to sing? Come join the choir! We rehearse on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 PM and are always looking for new members. Try us out!


  WEBSITE:RCC-UCC.COM
Do you have Church news or related business you would like to see posted on the website? If so, please contact Tammy Lavin at 649-0030 or by email at sunrise73@cox.net to have it added. Thank you!

 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

                                             No Report

SPREAD THE NEWS
Help us spread the word on the happenings of your church group and boards by submitting a monthly article for the Riverside Light. Our members and friends look forward to receiving the monthly newsletter so let’s fill it with news of our church.
To ensure inclusion in the next monthly mailing, your article must be received in the church office by the 20th of each month. If you prefer not to write the article, simply submit the pertinent information to the office and the article will be prepared for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call the church office at 433-2039. And please be reminded that weekly bulletin announcements are due by noontime on Wednesday of each week. 

WORLD MISSIONS BOARD
The Missions Board members wish to remind everyone that they continue to collect labels from a wide variety of canned food/soup products. A complete list of those labels being collected is posted on the Missions' Board located in the Narthex. If you would like a copy of the list mailed to you, please contact the church office. We also continue to collect used eyeglasses to be sent to those in need.

JANE ADDAMS GUILD
During January, February,and March, members of the Jane Addams Guild will assist the Missions Board by collecting items to fill Health Kits for Church World Service. They will be sent to places facing natural disasters, violence, or grinding poverty and can mean the difference between sickness and health for struggling families.
Needed are...
Hand towels (approximate size 16x28), no fingertip or bath size please.
Wide toothed combs, nail clippers, no metal files or emery boards.
Bath size bar soap in original wrapper and toothbrushes in original wrapper.

Please place your donations in the designated box located in the narthex.

We extend our sincere thanks for your continued support of all our missions projects.


   COBWEB THRIFT SHOP
The Cobweb graciously accepts your gently used goods for resale, especially during regular business hours, Thursdays 9:00 - Noon. We thank Edith Seifert who opened up just for the children on Sunday December 11th, after church so they could browse and do some Christmas shopping.

   CHURCH COUNCIL
                                            No report.

POT-LUCK SUNDAYS
On February 5th, we resume "First Sunday of the Month Luncheons." Bring your favorite dish. These gatherings are filled with fun, and the fellowship is heart-warming! You are all welcome - whether you cook or not!

CHOWDER & CLAMCAKES
Riverside resumes its tasty mission to the Riverside community by preparing chowder, clamcakes, and stuffies during Lent Fridays, February 24th - March 30th Noon - 6 pm. Take-out with limited eat-in available.

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